Exploration and Talking Horses

I had someone hit me between the eyes today with a comment. They said something about my exploring this new phase of my life. It struck me that I've been looking at things a bit skewed.

For the largest part of my adult life I "existed". Got tied up in the busyness of doing, and forgot to be. Forgot Life is supposed to be an adventure.

I forgot simple joys, laughters, I know I've a "servants heart" it's part of who I am, but now I realize I need to serve myself too. If I don't take responsibility FOR my life, joy, happiness then all other parts of my life become "clanging cymbals" resentments build, joy dies, love withers.

So after this friend said exploring it opened my eyes, I've been looking at this as an adventure and while that's good, it doesn't cover the whole picture.
Now, exploring, opens a whole new vista for me. So I'm off to explore, people, thoughts, ideas. Adventure seems to have a bit of a conquest flavor to me. I don't want to be conquering someone or something, I really want to explore fully my life. Discovering new joys, new happiness, new fulfillment.

I've heard it said that Doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results is the definition of insanity. So I'm not looking for Adventure, not looking for kingdoms to conquer, princesses to win, successes to have. I'm going out on an exploration, If I find kingdoms I'll explore them, investigate. If I meet a princess, and she wants to join the exploration GREAT. Success will come with the exploration, not be the target of it. I may get hurt, may get some bumps, bruises. But who knows I may get to kiss a princess.

I'm reminded of a story I'd like to share
One day a peasant walking down the road did something that offended the King as he rode by. The King threw him into the dungeon.
When brought before the king, the peasant pleaded for his life saying "If the king gave him a year. He would teach the Kings horse to talk."
The king intrigued said okay you have your year.
The friend and the guards of the peasant told him he was crazy, he would be hanged for this.
The peasant replied, Who knows, who really knows, in the coming year, the King may die, I may die, and, that horse may just learn to talk.

So I'm off exploring looking for some talking horses.

A letter to Olivia

Olivia,
Seeing your posts on FB about being out of Jr Hi and on to High School made me realize how much you've grown. I wanted to let you know a couple of things.
First I love you very much, the time I got to spend with your family this last spring, I noticed and watched you quite a bit.
First I think a new word needs to be created Framily. As I watched how you and Brooks treat each other, you two are not just siblings but friends too. You are an amazing young lady, I'm so impressed by your dedication to yourself and achieving your goals.
You are in my totally unbiased opinion one of the most lovely young ladies I've ever met. I'm am so proud of you. The joy you seem to find even with everything going on in your life.
As you begin a new chapter in your life I want to encourage you with something. You are an amazing person, you deserve respect.
During this time DO NOT sell yourself short, any young men that want to date you had better treat you with the honor and respect you deserve. You Olivia deserve the best in school, in relationships, in life. Don't ever settle.
You are also one of the most gifted and intelligent young ladies I've ever met. Don't ever hide that, don't ever "play dumb" to attract a boy. The young men that are worthy of dating you, won't be put off by intelligence.
Don't ever stop seeing and embracing the fun in life. One of the things I love about hanging out with you is your silly side. Every time I watch the piercing video I chuckle hearing you ask if i'm wearing my big girl panties, you know the ones with the pink polka dots and the little bow.
You have a gift, the gift to make simple times special. I can't look at or think of a trampoline without remembering playing in your back yard with you and Brooks.
You have a tender heart, I was in awe watching you reach out to your friend during her trials at home. I know those are still ongoing but to see my niece show such love, compassion, tenderness touched my heart. I would only suggest, as you have a servant's heart a gift to see the needs of others and work to fulfill them. MAKE DOUBLE DAMN SURE that your needs, wants, desires are met as well. Learn to receive as well as give.

While in High School begin grabbing all the opportunities for adventure you can.
Dance like no one's watching
Laugh like you've never been hurt
Play like "play" is important
Sing loud and long, if you don't know the words make some up

I am so blessed to call you my niece, my friend, my pride and joy
Love you
Uncle Matt.